Hey mate. Interesting question and one I am asking myself quite a bit at the moment.

1) Not sure I am a fan of the cockpit, few things not as good as the e90. This of course is the same cockpit as the F30, so bit of a mute point!
2) That engine, when you start it in the morning wow its just so Fcuking looud and when you do go 4k+ and over double wow.
3) Fuel economy is relatively poor, but v.good for a car of its performance. If you drive it like a granny, it will do mid-30's easily ans low 40's on mway.
4) Handling /chasis / brake setup v.impressive as well - really does feel totally planted (much more so than a M Sport). I can see why it made it into the Evo car of the year!

Interesting comparison. Unbelievable economy from an engine with that power.

I haven't read it, but heard its a not- so favourable review giving it only 4/5 stars?
The 1 series forum is outraged by it

They say things like its not a full M car. Well correct
They say its ugly. Well correct, it ain't going to win any beauty contents
They said it has a low spec. Hmm not so sure, but the 1er is missing lots of things the 330d has as standard.

So can't say I am that fussed, as in all the good press, its had there had to be one bucking the trend!

I haven't read it, but heard its a not- so favourable review giving it only 4/5 stars?
The 1 series forum is outraged by it

They say things like its not a full M car. Well correct
They say its ugly. Well correct, it ain't going to win any beauty contents
They said it has a low spec. Hmm not so sure, but the 1er is missing lots of things the 330d has as standard.

So can't say I am that fussed, as in all the good press, its had there had to be one bucking the trend!

I would largely "ignore" the uttering of these mags, I drove it and it was a great performer and you can spec it up if you wish, so , horses for courses.

I haven't read it, but heard its a not- so favourable review giving it only 4/5 stars?
The 1 series forum is outraged by it

They say things like its not a full M car. Well correct
They say its ugly. Well correct, it ain't going to win any beauty contents
They said it has a low spec. Hmm not so sure, but the 1er is missing lots of things the 330d has as standard.

So can't say I am that fussed, as in all the good press, its had there had to be one bucking the trend!

I didn't think it was a negative review, but then again I don't own one. Reviews always seem to hit a nerve for owners.

I haven't read it, but heard its a not- so favourable review giving it only 4/5 stars?
The 1 series forum is outraged by it

They say things like its not a full M car. Well correct
They say its ugly. Well correct, it ain't going to win any beauty contents
They said it has a low spec. Hmm not so sure, but the 1er is missing lots of things the 330d has as standard.

So can't say I am that fussed, as in all the good press, its had there had to be one bucking the trend!

I only wished it looked considerably more appealing inside and outside. There is more to a car as an everyday tool than just having a 'sling-shot' of an engine. I am sure the 135iM is a very good car. But it is not a great car. The F20s lack the 'je ne sais quoi' of the F30s. The F10s also do, but to a lesser extent. The F30s are great cars for now. But they are still only cars!

I only wished it looked considerably more appealing inside and outside. There is more to a car as an everyday tool than just having a 'sling-shot' of an engine. I am sure the 135iM is a very good car. But it is not a great car. The F20s lack the 'je ne sais quoi' of the F30s. The F10s also do, but to a lesser extent. The F30s are great cars for now. But they are still only cars!

ETTO.

Well that is debatable, as I would lump the f20 and f30 together on the looks department and they have virtually the same cockpits?.

M135 is certainly a great car, and Clarkson himself said so in the times last week, yet to see him say that about a F30

In terms of looks I am afraid only the 2 and 4 series coupe would get my vote.

yeah, i think you are spot on - it does look better in the metal, although the front is still not the best angle!

Its funny, I am still torn between the 330d and the M135i...yet they are hardly the usual comparison suspects...

I also think the 328i is a very good option and does save £3-4k over the 330d.
Good luck

I know what you mean re comparisons , i have a back to back test drive of 330d and 328i manual lined up, scared to test drive the M135i as im aware what happened when getting the wife a Mini went for test drive of cooper she wanted , dealer we only have the cooper s today bad bad move ok then i said, 3 month later had new R56 cooper S on drive.
I was all keen on 328i M Sport EB Manual 19" 403's M Adaptive , M Brakes and Visibility Package and possibly HK but drove the 330D M Sport touring with auto and really liked it but scared to go auto just love the control and balance i have with manual and remember the fun i had in my E30 328i Sport back in 1988 so controllable and agile and light and went where you wanted it , then had e46 330D M Sport Touring loved it and then e90 330d M sport salon and like it but don't love it as to firm and fidgety compared to e46 IMHO

I know what you mean re comparisons , i have a back to back test drive of 330d and 328i manual lined up, scared to test drive the M135i as im aware what happened when getting the wife a Mini went for test drive of cooper she wanted , dealer we only have the cooper s today bad bad move ok then i said, 3 month later had new R56 cooper S on drive.
I was all keen on 328i M Sport EB Manual 19" 403's M Adaptive , M Brakes and Visibility Package and possibly HK but drove the 330D M Sport touring with auto and really liked it but scared to go auto just love the control and balance i have with manual and remember the fun i had in my E30 328i Sport back in 1988 so controllable and agile and light and went where you wanted it , then had e46 330D M Sport Touring loved it and then e90 330d M sport salon and like it but don't love it as to firm and fidgety compared to e46 IMHO

Shame the 330d doesn't come in an Manual any more....a lot of people bought them over the 335d. yes the e90 was fidity, but taking the runflats off helped a lot!

Although this new auto box is flipping amazing!

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Last edited by TMP; 12-03-2012 at 05:30 PM.
Reason: Edited for not knowing Manual over an Auto..doh